Carrie Underwood ‘Flabbergasted’ to Be in the Presence of Legends at 50th CMAs

Carrie Underwood is a card-carrying superstar, but she still gets starstruck. The singer — officially 2016's Female Vocalist of the Year after the CMA Awards — says being on stage in front of so many incredibly talented country legends left her beside herself the night of the ceremony.

"Tonight’s just been a hugely busy and crazy and wonderful night," Underwood shared backstage following the show (quote via the Boot). "Being able to stand up on that stage in front of all those legends, clearly I was flabbergasted. It’s just an amazing night."

Not only did Underwood receive an award she hasn't won in eight years, but she also co-hosted the show with Brad Paisley for the ninth time running, gave a stunning performance of her edgy tune "Dirty Laundry" and performed a key part in the Dolly Parton tribute, singing the iconic hit "I Will Always Love You" alongside Martina McBride. The whole night was packed with epic performances and star after star appearing on stage, which Underwood says was the intention with the 50th anniversary.

“It is the 50th, and we were expected to go all out,” she explains. “I feel like we did, and we wanted to include as many legends as we could in one way or another … Being able to acknowledge them in the audience, we wanted to elevate the show and have as many people there as possible.”

Her performance was arguably one of the most impressive of the night, featuring an all-girl band including famed shredding guitarist Orianthi, and a set that matched the cool, raw tone of the song.

“We really just wanted to have a lot of women onstage,” Underwood says. “Gorgeous, talented, amazing women, because I feel like our country format could use some more, so let’s bring them all onstage at once.”

Underwood also spoke to the shaping of country music over the last few years, particularly when it comes to pushing the boundaries of genre and style. She says a lot of the growth of country can be attributed to that risk-taking.

“There’s so many different artists that are influenced by different people that are contributing to that,” she says. “Meeting people all over the world along the way, I think having more people that don’t even listen to country music tune in, that just shows how great the music is.”

On top of her Female Vocalist of the Year win, the singer was also nominated for Entertainer of the Year, Album of the Year and Musical Event of the Year.